Confident Cook eyes England fightback

The World No 2 Test side will also have to fight hard to defend its reputation as they are on the brink of suffering the most Test defeats in a year. The nine-wicket loss in Ahmedabad in the first Test was England’s seventh this year, after starting as World No 1.

Another loss in the remaining three Tests will equal their record of eight losses in a year — an ordeal they have experienced thrice before, in 1984, 1986 and 1993.

Alastair Cook trains at Wankhede yesterday. Pic/AtulKamble

England’s slide from World No 1 began just after the 4-0 whitewash against India last year. First they were routed 0-3 by Pakistan in the UAE. They then managed to draw 1-1 against Sri Lanka in March-April. England thereafter beat West Indies 3-0 at home, followed by a shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa, which cost them the No 1 tag.

However, captain Cook is confident of an improved show in the second Test.

“If you look at our dressing room, there are some world-class players with excellent records. We have to hold our hands up, and in these conditions we have not played well enough to get the right results. You watch how hard we train and we’re definitely doing the right things. It’s up to us to do the job out in the middle and get into the rhythm of batting out there. I’m confident about the squad,” said Cook. The stylish batsman also believed this is their best chance to level the series as England have a good record at Wankhede having won two out of three Tests here.